Portugal has just selected their squad for the World Cup. Before the selection, there was speculation that Junior Kroupi could be among the selected, even though he has only represented France at youth level. The 19-year-old was not on the squad list, but there was still talk of the super talent. Portugal’s national team coach confirms he did his part to persuade the Bournemouth player to drop Les Bleus.
Kroupi was signed by Bournemouth for €10 million in February 2025, with the teenager set to continue for the rest of the season at Lorient. The move to the world’s toughest league has been sensational. In 33 Premier League appearances, the young striker has scored 13 league goals and been a major contributor to Bournemouth’s historic success this season.
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This is the player Portugal’s national team coach was supposed to secure.
-Before the national team gathering in March, we had contact (with Kroupi). It is important to keep an eye on the players who can represent our national team. He wants to play for France, and we respect that. That’s why it’s closed for us,” says Roberto Marteinz according to A Bola.
Kroupi, who was born in France, has the opportunity to represent Portugal because of his mother’s and grandmother’s background. The Bournemouth striker also has the opportunity to play for Ivory Coast, which is his father’s homeland.
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Portugal made their attempt, but fell short.
